Australian Inland Research Articles

Innovation in the Inland: John Flynn’s Model Hospital in Alice Springs

ABSTRACT In 1920 Rev. John Flynn, Superintendent of the Presbyterian Church’s Australian Inland Mission, planned a model outback hospital for Alice Springs, its most remarkable feature to be an innovative ventilation system. Of the fourteen cottage hospitals established by the AIM before World War II, this was the first to be purpose-built. Flynn had an opportunity to create a building ideally suited to Central Australia’s climate and provide comfort for patients and staff. If successful, it was to become a model for future hospitals. For its design he sought the help of experts, including two architects, John Shedden Adam and Thomas Darling. When opened in 1926, it was not only climatically responsive but equipped with modern amenities, becoming the scene of one of Australia’s first successful outback radio experiments. This paper, based on Flynn’s writings and the AIM’s archives in the National Library of Australia, focuses on the building itself: evolution of its design; design changes during construction; the architects’ contribution; innovative features; place within the AIM’s network; and its success as a model hospital—aspects that have been overlooked previously. Now a museum known as Adelaide House, 1 it stands in central Alice Springs and remains largely intact, demonstrating Flynn’s intentions.

Spatial and Climatic Variabilities of Rainwater Tank Outcomes for an Inland City, Canberra

Most of the studies on rainwater harvesting analysis present the outcomes for particular cities, representing a single set of results for a specific city. However, in reality, significant spatial and weather variabilities may exist, due to which presenting only one set of results for a particular city would be misleading. This paper presents the potential weather and spatial variabilities on the expected water savings and supply reliability through the domestic rainwater tank for an inland city. An earlier-developed daily water balance model, eTank, was used for the calculations of annual water savings and reliability. An Australian inland city, Canberra, was selected as a case study and relevant daily rainfall data were collected from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website. For the analysis of spatial variation, two rain gauge stations within the city of Canberra were selected. For each station, from the historical data, three years were selected as dry, average and wet years. For each weather condition, annual water savings and reliabilities were calculated for different demands with different tank sizes up to 10,000 L connected with different roof sizes. Then, variations in annual water savings and reliabilities among different weather conditions, as well as among different stations, were evaluated. It was found that, with regard to annual water savings, a maximum variation of 68.6% can be expected between dry and wet weather; however, only a 15.4% maximum spatial variation is expected among the selected stations. Regarding reliability, a maximum variation of 123% is expected between dry and wet weather. Whereas, only a 17% spatial variation is expected among the selected stations. Such a study will provide valuable insights for rainwater tank users and stakeholders on potential variabilities due to weather and spatial differences.

A new salinity index for the invertebrate fauna of Australian inland waters

Anthropogenic salinisation of inland waters worldwide causes diverse social, economic and ecological impacts, including shifts in the composition of biological communities. I used published data on occurrence of aquatic invertebrate taxa in relation to salinity to develop a novel Invertebrate-Based Salinity Index (IBSI) suitable for purposes such as indicating the ecological impact of anthropogenic salinisation and charting faunal recovery after salinity mitigation. Testing of the index with data independent of those used in its derivation showed a stronger association with salinity than prior Australian salinity indices based on macroinvertebrates. IBSI is applicable to both running and standing inland waters across Australia, and could be extended to other countries. Potential limitations of IBSI and its underlying salinity tolerance values are discussed, and suggestions are made for future index refinement and testing.

A Random Forest-Based Multi-Index Classification (RaFMIC) Approach to Mapping Three-Decadal Inundation Dynamics in Dryland Wetlands Using Google Earth Engine

Australian inland riparian wetlands located east of the Great Dividing Range exhibit unique, hydroecological characteristics. These flood-dependent aquatic systems located in water-limited regions are declining rapidly due to the competitive demand for water for human activities, as well as climate change and variability. However, there exist very few reliable data to characterize inundation change conditions and quantify the impacts of the loss and deterioration of wetlands. A long-term time record of wetland inundation maps can provide a crucial baseline to monitor, assess, and assist the management and conservation of wetland ecosystems. This study presents a random forest-based multi-index classification algorithm (RaFMIC) on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to efficiently construct a temporally dense, three-decadal time record of inundation maps of the southeast Australian riparian inland wetlands. The method was tested over the Macquarie Marshes located in the semiarid region of NSW, Australia. The results showed a good accuracy when compared against high-spatial resolution imagery. The total inundated area was consistent with precipitation and streamflow patterns, and the temporal dynamics of vegetation showed good agreement with the inundation maps. The inundation time record was analysed to generate inundation probability maps, which were in a good agreement with frequently flooded areas simulated by a hydrodynamic model and the distribution of flood-dependent vegetation species. The long-term, time-dense inundation maps derived from the RaFMIC method can provide key information to assess the condition and health of wetland ecosystems and have the potential to improve wetland inventory with spatially explicit water regime information. RaFMIC can be adapted over other dryland wetlands, as an effective semiautomated method of mapping long-term inundation dynamics.

Using historical tropical cyclone climate datasets to examine wind speed recurrence for coastal Australia

Likelihood estimates of extreme winds, including those from tropical cyclones (TCs) at certain locations are used to inform wind load standards for structural design. Here, wind speed average recurrence intervals (ARIs) determined from TC climate data dating back to the 1970s in two quantile–quantile adjusted reanalysis datasets (ERA5 and BARRA [1990]), and best-track observations for context, were compared with Standardized ARIs (AS/NZS) across seven tropical and two subtropical Australian inland coastal regions. The novelty of this work lies in determining TC-wind speed ARIs from a range of datasets that are not typically used to evaluate this metric. Inherent differences between the data used to determine the Standard ARIs (large sample size allow for larger extrapolations; GEV function) and TC data ARIs (smaller sample size and less certain data; the more asymptotic Lognormal/Weibull functions are used) led to the use of different extreme value functions. Results indicated that although these are two distinct ways of determining design wind speeds, when they are considered equivalent, there was a moderate reproduction of the ARI curves with respect to the Standard in both reanalysis datasets, suggesting that similar analyses using climate model products can provide useful information on these types of metrics with some caveats. Trends in TC wind strength affecting coastal Australia were also analyzed, indicating a potential slight downtrend in tropical West coast TC wind strength and slight uptrend for tropical East coast TC wind strength, noting considerable uncertainty given the short time period and limitations of data quality including over longer time periods. Such trends are not only limited to the relationship between TC intensity and anthropogenic warming, but also to regional changes in TC frequency and track direction. This could lead to significant trends emerging in regional Australian TC wind gust strength before several decades of warming have occurred. It is hoped that climate models can provide both longer-term and a more homogenous base for these types of evaluations and subsequent projections with respect to climate change simulations.

The biology of giant ostracods (Crustacea, Cyprididae), a review focusing on the Mytilocypridinae from Australian inland waters

This study uses published and unpublished data to create a comprehensive and up-to-date synthesis of available information on a little-known group of invertebrates, namely, non-marine giant ostracods (cypridids ≥3 mm long). Approximately 8% of the ∼1000 living cypridid species are identified as ‘giant’. They occur in a range of subfamilies, in all zoogeographic regions, except Antarctica, and mainly in small standing-water ecosystems. Only those in the subfamily Mytilocypridinae are reasonably well studied. This subfamily is endemic to Australia and comprises a diverse range of giant species (∼29 species in 6 genera), mainly in temporary habitats, mostly salt lakes, including in extreme conditions. We evaluate the current taxonomy of the Mytilocypridinae, analyse patterns in the field distributions and abiotic tolerances of species, and review the general biology of these ostracods. We also identify those species most in need of consideration in conservation planning, highlight critical gaps in knowledge and show how these ostracods could serve as useful models for testing ecological and evolutionary theories. The results of this study can be used to inform conservation planning for giant ostracods and direct further study of these unique invertebrates, which are an important component of the biodiversity of small standing-water ecosystems.

Social-identity dynamics in rural communities: a motive for resistance to change

This research found that rural social resistance to change and newcomers can be explained in part by the influence of social-set membership. Eighty-nine interviews were conducted in two Australian inland rural communities with population <2000 and analysed with a recognised cultural dynamics framework. This found attachment to local social identity, social hierarchy and cultural norms that represented social power. Established residents defended the status quo when valued facets of social identity were perceived to be threatened, resisting efforts to introduce change. Persons representing a challenge to established local identity norms could be socially undermined and censured to preserve the power of dominant social sets, defending their preferred narratives and norms. Understanding social identity influences can explain rural communities’ tendency to conservatism, why newcomers and new ideas are often derided, ignored or attacked. It can explain the motives for negative social capital and suggests social identity as a factor in small town newcomer business failure, and resistance to new knowledge transfer and practice adoption. Welcome and induction to local social codes is critical to newcomer integration. Outsiders and newcomers may meet discretely with like-minded or similar persons to safely fulfil social needs or influence as a social minority, providing support to their own unique group. Where residents cannot find inclusion, they may disengage. Understanding social identity can provide insights for community leaders, development practitioners, extension officers and newcomers struggling to serve and innovate in rural and rangelands communities.

Storying with Groundwater

Subterranean waters enable life. Humans, non-human animals and enmeshed ecosystems of more-than-human entities, such as river and creek sides, mound springs and swamps, interact with groundwater in a myriad of complex relationships. Hundreds of Australian inland towns and communities rely on bore water. Population counts of people dependent on aquifers across Australia, on the Asian and African continents, in the Middle East and across the Americas reach into the billions. Despite this, there are few literary expressions of groundwater’s potency and vulnerability in the Australian imaginary (Wardle). This essay draws upon fictional portrayals of groundwater from the climate fiction manuscript, Why We Cry (Wardle), to suggest the ways that climate fiction might make a small shift from the ‘derangement’ of blindness to subterranean places through the novel’s endeavours to osmotically affect readers.

First Report on the Occurrence of Invasive Macrophyte Elodea canadensis Michx. in Sapanca Lake

Objective: Elodea canadensis Michx. is a common invasive aquatic macrophyte that has successfully spread along European, Asian and Australian inland waters. The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence and distribution of an alien and invasive species, E. canadensis, in Sapanca Lake (Turkey) for the first time. Materials and Methods: Sampling for macrophytes and main environmental parameters was carried out seasonally between the years 2016 and 2017 along the coasts of Sapanca Lake. Macrophytes samples were taken from bounded areas. Morphological observations were made on both unfixed-living and dried materials, and morphological details were observed under a light microscope. Results: Elodea canadensis Michx. was reported for the first time in Sapanca Lake during the spring period of 2016 with water temperatures of 20.9 ±0.9°C. A total of six submerged macrophytes species were recorded together with E. canadensis. Conclusion: The first record of this species in Sapanca Lake is important for contributing to the changing biodiversity dynamics of the lake and also contributes to the assessment of the possible ecological and economic risks of the region in terms of lake management.

Sailing into Australian Settler Fictions: Reflection on an Inquiry and Construction with Performance and Images

This is reflection on artistic inquiry as an expedition, construction and modification of a watercraft, where image-making occurs en route. The journey is from the Queensland Gold Coast to the fringes of the Simpson Desert, undertaken in May-June 2018. The place of boats in Australian inland exploration is considered. The author-artist situates performance/art-making as a post-structural practice. Research or inquiry is seen partly as a self-realization occurring after the process has already begun. The origins of the craft and the expedition are also described. From the images the artist imagines the search for Burke and Wills, the lost explorers, as it might be conducted by boat. Encounters with ‘Grey Nomads’ are considered. An inland sea is discovered, and the existence of the Peoples Republic of Wangkangurra imaginatively arises in the vacated fringes of the Simpson Desert. Key images of the emergent inquiry are provided and discussed. Discoveries and disruptions of settler fictions are made, concluding on the value of the approach in challenging cultural authorities.

Systematics of the giant spiny trapdoor spiders of the genus Gaius Rainbow (Mygalomorphae: Idiopidae: Aganippini): documenting an iconic lineage of the Western Australian inland arid zone

The aganippine spiny trapdoor spiders of the genus Gaius Rainbow, 1914 are revised. Seven new species are described from Western Australia: G. aurora sp. nov., G. austini sp. nov., G. cooperi sp. nov., G. hueyi sp. nov., G. humphreysi sp. nov., G. mainae sp. nov. and G. tealei sp. nov. The type species, G. villosus Rainbow, 1914, is re-illustrated and re-diagnosed, and molecular data for six (of eight) species and six genes are analyzed with Bayesian methods. Species of Gaius are iconic denizens of the Western Australian inland arid zone, renowned for their large size and extreme longevity. We here document the known diversity and conservation status of these spiders, and summarize their unusual biology and phenology.

Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitch.

<i>Salvinia molesta</i> D.S. Mitch.

Designing hospitals for Australian conditions: The Australian Inland Mission's cottage hospital, Adelaide House, 1926

Whilst it is generally recognised that hospitals designed in major Australian centres have drawn heavily on British and American precedent since colonial settlement, little research has been undertaken on these connections in terms of remotely located, small-scale, cottage hospitals. This study of the Australian Inland Mission's cottage hospital Adelaide House (1926) contributes to our understanding of strategies used to design hospital environments in the early twentieth century through critical analysis of historical documents and existing literature. Preliminary findings suggest that the adoption or adaptation of international design precedent to meet inland Australian conditions was informed by ideas about climate, gender and race, and, to some extent, the advice of field-experienced nursing sisters.

Climatic and spatial variations of potential rainwater savings for Melbourne (Australia)

A daily water balance model is used for the performance analysis and calculation of potential rainwater savings from household rainwater tanks under different scenario for a major Australian city, Melbourne. To investigate the climatic variabilities of rainwater tank outcomes nine representative years (three for each dry, average and wet condition) are selected from historical rainfall data. For the three climatic conditions, a number of rainwater tank outcomes (water savings, townwater augmentation, overflow) are presented in relations to tank volume, roof area, number of people in a house (i.e., water demand). For spatial variability investigation, two distant (25 km apart) localities within Melbourne were selected; one in central Melbourne and the other in North Melbourne. It is demonstrated that significant climatic and spatial variabilities exist in regards to studied rainwater tank outcomes, except for very few conditions having tanks connected with large roofs under low demand scenario. Also, computed variabilities are higher than the expected climatic variabilities computed for an Australian inland city, Canberra. Eventually, an economic analysis is presented showing potential money savings and payback periods for different tank options.

Adaptive management in action: using chemical marking to advance fish recovery programs in the Murray–Darling Basin

Being able to tell the difference between stocked and wild fish is essential to understand the overall success of hatchery programs. It is a substantial issue to address, especially considering that over 60 million fish have been stocked into Australian inland waters over the past 30 years. A trial into permanently marking live fish, with fluorescent chemicals, has demonstrated substantial promise. Having been cleared by food safety authorities, and validated by targeted research, it is presently being rolled out on a large scale in the Murray–Darling Basin.

Central Australian Songs: A History and Reinterpretation of their Distribution through the Earliest Recordings

AbstractThis paper contains a discussion of an unpublished essay by TGH Strehlow concerning the historic wax cylinder recordings of songs from Central Australia made by Walter Baldwin Spencer and Frank Gillen in 1901. The manuscript, written by Strehlow in 1968, begins with an explanation of the historical context of the song recordings, and the distribution of song and dance traditions across the Australian inland. Strehlow elucidates the content via information imparted to him by a number of Arrernte and Luritja men, who first heard these recordings over 50 years after they were made, in 1960. Their explanation of these songs reveals further information on the diffusion of song verses across vast regions in Central Australia (including Warumungu, Anmatyerr, Arrernte, and Warlpiri country), and the incorporation of European words and themes within altharte (public) songs in which men sing and dance. I have expanded Strehlow's information on Spencer's recordings further with additional information from other ethno‐historical sources and my own contemporary fieldwork. Combined, this research deepens the anthropological understanding of some of the earliest ethnographic sound recordings ever made in Australia.

Linking local ecological outcomes with basin-wide water planning: a case study of Yanga National Park, an important Australian inland forested wetland

Maintaining and restoring the ecological integrity of floodplains remains a priority for many Australian federal and state government agencies. The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) introduced the Proposed Basin Plan 2012, the Australian government’s latest basin-scale water planning instrument to promote a healthy, working river system. The proposal seeks to limit surface water (consumptive) use to 10 873 GL year-1 on a long-term average. The controversy prompted by this proposed reduction has underscored a need for rigorous and transparent modelling of ecological benefits. In this paper, we investigate the likely ecological outcomes of the proposal for Yanga National Park, one of the most significant environmental assets in the Murray-Darling Basin, using a decision support system. Our results indicate that the proposal will increase the inundation extent with a 33% (or 7000 ha) increase in median flood. The increase in inundation would improve the hydrological conditions in most wetlands in terms of the frequency and duration of events and inter-flood dry periods and enhance the habitat quality for a range of biota, though benefits are not distributed evenly across the wetland.Editor D. Koutsoyiannis; Guest editor M. AcremanCitation Wen, L. and Saintilan, N., 2014. Linking local ecological outcomes with basin-wide water planning: a case study of Yanga National Park, an important Australian inland forested wetland. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 59 (3–4), 904–915.

Empirical testing of the theory of partial industrialisation in tourism

Abstract Businesses that are typically associated as belonging to ‘the tourist industry’ may find that tourists are only part of their business mix and may or may not strategically target tourists as a distinct segment. That is, businesses that serve tourists also serve non-tourists. As such, tourism is only ‘partially industrialised’. Despite being acknowledged three decades ago, only two empirical studies of tourism's partial industrialisation exist in the field. The aim of this research is to examine partial industrialisation in tourism (PIIT) in the Australian inland city of Ballarat, Victoria. This research provides additional empirical evidence to support the theory of PIIT, and provides evidence to highlight that figures often used in industry to support tourism represent a considerable exaggeration of the situation.

Nutrient surpluses in Australian grazing systems: management practices, policy approaches, and difficult choices to improve water quality

Nutrient surpluses, inefficiencies in nutrient use, and inevitable leakage of nutrients from grazed animal production systems are putting growing pressure on Australian inland and coastal water resources. While there are some examples of regulatory policy approaches in Australia which aim to reduce nutrient emissions and improve water quality around important and impaired coastal and inland waters, most policy options involve voluntary schemes, often including financial incentives to both industry organisations and farmers to offset the costs of implementing improved management practices. In contrast, much stronger land management regulations have been implemented in the European Union, USA, and to a lesser extent New Zealand. In the near future, greater societal expectations for water quality, stricter standards from international markets, and increasing costs for purchased nutrients will mean that improving nutrient-use efficiency and reducing nutrient losses will be a necessary part of Australia livestock production systems. This is likely to require somewhat varied and difficult choices to better balance production and environmental goals. Policy responses may include voluntary adoption of appropriate nutrient management practices, caps on nutrient inputs, mandatory nutrient surplus targets, limits to stock numbers per hectare, and re-positioning of higher input farms to more resilient parts of the national landscape. Alternatively, society may have to accept that there are unavoidable trade-offs between water quality standards and livestock productivity, with increasing treatment of polluted water at the community’s expense.

Boom &amp; Bust: Bird Stories for a Dry Country

As the subtitle says, this is a book of bird stories. The overall theme examines the population dynamics and evolution of some Australian inland birds in 12 separate essays, each by a different author or group of authors. It is apparent that the dates of preparation of these chapters cover an extended time period, one prepared by an author who died in 2001, and there is little attempt to integrate the stories. Each of the essays is well referenced and written by a respected authority on the bird, birds or topic that are the subject of the essay. In this way the book is authoritative, but it is also innovative, because it is clear that peer review has not been applied, or if applied then applied gently, because the authors have been allowed to speculate on the interpretations of the data they present. Modern journal editors and peer reviewers do their best to eliminate such speculation and yet it is from the presentation of such untested ideas that inquiry begins and science advances. The editors are to be applauded for taking this approach.